As Netanyahu returns, it is his primarily male, religious and nationalist partners who will set the new government's tenor; could they give the left a fresh flag to rally around?

PM reportedly tells ministers to prepare for transition of power; Netanyahu tasks Levin with coalition negotiations; Shas leader Deri may become finance minister, report says

Political correspondent Jacob Magid covers election day machinations as military reporter Emanuel Fabian discusses a ramming attack and an IDF soldier's unplanned stop in Iran

American Jewish Committee, Reform Movement, J Street and others express deep concerns over likely far-right government, but other organizations avoid mentioning Otzma Yehudit head

Former prime minister said planning swift negotiations with partners to quickly oust Lapid, who has reportedly yet to speak with partners amid widespread anger over poor showing

The once unthinkably fringe politician is likely headed into the government, where his stances and those of others in the far-right may play a large role in shaping Israel's future

State Department spokesman Ned Price refuses to comment directly on results of vote, but tells reporters he hopes Jerusalem will maintain 'respect for all,' particularly minorities

Unnamed figures tell Axios far-right MK may be beyond the pale; former US ambassador warns of potential for 'rocky' Israel-US relations during next Netanyahu coalition

Vote shows colossal backlash against Bennett-Lapid coalition, especially among religious Zionists; it will take an unforeseeable shift in Israeli reality for pendulum to swing back

American Jewish groups will likely face calls from inside their organizations to denounce nationalist politicians and face an uphill battle in defending Israel